Sternlicht’s HQ2 predictions did not stop in the Northeast, as he also liked the prospect of an Amazon headquarters in either Atlanta or the Raleigh-Durham area. Atlanta’s transportation hub (the city’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is the world’s busiest) and affordability are frequently touted as key selling points for the Georgia city.

Boston and Atlanta are viewed as leading contenders in the competitive race across North America to land Amazon’s promised 50,000 jobs and 8M SF of office development. An Irish betting site gives Atlanta 3-to-1 odds in winning HQ2, while Boston and Austin are ranked next at 7-to-1 odds.